The Philippines notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) this week that it has initiated a safeguard investigation on "galvanized iron and pre-painted sheets and coils."

The purpose of a safeguard investigation is to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry. A WTO Member State may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product on a temporary basis) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.

During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties. In its notice to the WTO, the Philippines provided information regarding where interested parties may submit their comments. More informaton is available on the WTO website